We all can appreciate that not every day requires full glam—foundation, concealer, powder—it sometimes is too much. Layered on top of that we have to factor in time and efficacy. Enter the lighter handed partners in the complexion category: tinted moisturisers, BB and CC creams.

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If the last year is anything to go by, more and more of us are searching for ‘our skin but better’—a complexion product that gives us the finish we desire, the blemishes and pigmentation we want to cover up and just a touch of colour to incorporate into our everyday life. However, with some tinted complexion products on the market, there seems to be a smaller selection of shades that would cater to all skin tones, especially those with darker skin. Either too grey, too orange or just not carrying enough pigment to show on the skin—it has meant that for those of us wanting to invest in a lighter textured base, we have had to sacrifice the perfect match.   

With the vanity tables turning, there has been an increase in tinted moisturisers and BB/CC creams, according to reports. In 2019, sales of tinted moisturisers were up by 11% and, after setting sprays, were the fastest-growing category within makeup overall. We still crave dewy, radiant and fresh complexions but with a lighter approach to showcase the natural beauty of our skin. That being said, finding tinted moisturisers and BB/CC creams for darker skin can be difficult so we road tested them all to select the best that actually suit, enhance and perfectly match darker skin tones.

The Tinted Moisturiser With The Most Shades:
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

When Fenty Beauty released their Skin Tint, we knew that it would not fall short of shade availability—but what we love most about their skin tint is the fact that it’s the perfect blend of their Soft Matte Longwear Foundation and Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation—a match made in heaven. Very water-like when squeezed out of the bottle but on the skin, the unique hydrating complex dries to a healthy matte finish that blurs any imperfections. Delivering a smooth, buttery and creamy softness to the skin—this skin tint is what the industry has been waiting for. Blended in with a beauty blender, it is long-wearing and hydrating. What more can we ask for?

Buy now: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $46 from Sephora

The Tinted Moisturiser With Vitamin C:
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

An oldie but a classic! Probably one of the first brands to cater to shade ranges to darker skin complexions is Nars and even in their tinted moisturiser they did not disappoint. Both hydrating and smoothing on the skin, the lightweight moisturiser is buildable depending on the desired coverage you are seeking but also infused with vitamin C to brighten, protect and enhance skin’s natural radiance. Applied using our fingers or a buffing brush, the tinted moisturiser seamlessly blends into the skin undetected leaving a glistening but smoothing complexion.

Buy now: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, $68 from Mecca

The Best Matte Tinted Moisturiser:
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

Now, don’t be put off by the fact that it says foundation on the bottle because believe us, this lightweight complexion product is teetering between a serum and tinted moisturiser. Watery in consistency, it feels more like skincare than anything else. We do recommend being light handed with this and then building up on the skin but drying down matte, it creates a flawless blur over the skin, like a beautiful complexion veil. 

Buy now: Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, $111 from Sephora

The EveryDay Tinted Moisturiser With SPF:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Skin Perfector

A little really does go a long way with this tinted moisturiser and with 20 shades varying from light to dark, we’re impressed! Extremely hydrating, blends to perfection and consists of SPF 30+—it is the sun care, moisturiser and foundation we all need in one. Perfectly creating the ideal no-makeup makeup look, we were drawn into how healthy our skin looked after application. Formulated with ingredients such as Macadamia and Kukui Seed Oils as well as Tamarind Seed Extract to lock in moisture—it provides the enhanced antioxidant protection with the added complexion benefits—it’s a star in our books.

Buy now: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Skin Perfector, $71 from Mecca

The Best CC Cream:
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Now you may be wondering what’s the difference between a CC cream and tinted moisturiser? CC Cream stands for colour correcting, so, for those of us concerned with discolouration and hyperpigmentation but still want a lighter coverage, CC creams may be for you! The IT Cosmetics CC creams are top tier in our opinion, formulated with SPF 50+, you can be rest assured that your skin is being protected by physical sunscreen on top of the full coverage. Don’t be put off by how it first appears on the skin, although rather light, once worked in with a brush or beauty blender—you will adore the results. Creating a harmonious finish to the skin, it is one for the vanities. We also love the oil-free matte version and illumination version for those craving different finishes.

Buy now: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, $63 from Sephora

The Best Vegan Tinted Moisturiser:
Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint

If you ever did need the perfect skin tint for on the go then Milk Makeup’s Skin Tint would be the product to reach for. Formulated with avocado, mandarin, jojoba oil, grapeseed and olive, the rich but natural blend helps to hydrate and moisturise the skin whilst leaving a light coverage on the skin. With the unique glass rollerball applicator, it means you can apply the product exactly where you need it without worrying about the mess you could create. Lightweight, breathable and buildable, it’s a win for us.

Buy now:Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint, $64 from Sephora

The Best Gel Cream Tinted Moisturiser:
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

One of its kind, the Bare Minerals Hydrating Gel Cream is adored by many and rightly so, with a water-burst sensation that instantly refreshes the skin as soon as it’s applied, the gel cream quickly absorbs into the skin whilst for the ultimate flawless finish. Definitely more heavy-duty with medium coverage compared to other tinted moisturisers, it is makeup, skincare and SPF all rolled into one—the perfect option for everyday coverage.

Buy now: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream, $50 from Mecca